Union leader Bob Crow said: “Once again RMT is forced to move to a ballot for industrial
action to secure a fair deal for our cleaner members and to end the
exploitation of these groups of staff who work round the clock in the
most appalling conditions to keep the tube running.

“These
cleaning staff are an integral part of the London Underground team and
should be properly rewarded as such and not just seen as a money making
tool to be exploited for every last penny in the interest of private
profits.

Getty Images/Peter Macdiarmid

The RMT is calling for above-inflation pay rises, substantial
bonuses for working during the Olympics, free travel passes for all
personnel, a Sick Pay policy and improvements to the companies' pension
schemes.All members employed by Initial and ISS will be balloted shortly.

Crow continued “In the run up to the Olympics it
is simply scandalous that the staff who will be keeping the transport
system clean for the millions of visitors to this City are being treated
like dirt.

“.....RMT would urge Londoners to back
this campaign for justice for our cleaners and join us in forcing the
Mayor and London Underground to drag ISS and Initial back to the
negotiating table to resolve these disputes.”